Treating Panic or Anxiety Attacks

Panic or anxiety attacks can be one of the most frightening experiences you will ever have. Out of nowhere you feel intense fear, extreme dread, a pounding heart and a need to run away. But where do you run? The panic is inside you! Sometimes you may feel like you are going to faint or even die. We at Chestnut Hill understand how frightening panic episodes can be and how worried you are that you will have another one soon. We are committed to helping you take control of the panic so that you can stop having to live in dread.

• First, one of our therapists meets with you privately in an introductory session to get to know you as an individual, your personal needs and special circumstances. Also, your therapist assesses the specific nature of and pattern to your panic or anxiety attacks.
• Next, your therapist works closely with you to teach you in detail exactly how your panic system works so that you know it inside and out.
• Then she/he shows you how to take control to stop or significantly reduce the frequency, duration and intensity of the panic. For many individuals, several sessions practicing these techniques allows them literally to stop the panic.
• In some cases medication can help. You will be asked by your therapist whether or not you would like to consider a medication evaluation by either your primary care physician or one of our medical providers. For some individuals, medication along with our therapeutic program works best. The decision to be evaluated for medication is always made with you an active participant in the process. Your therapist also welcomes active participation by your own physician whose judgment you have come to trust.
• As a team, then, your therapist, your primary care physician, and/or one of our medical providers work closely with you to provide the best possible treatment so that you feel better and get your life back on track.
• As a result of treatment, you can generally expect to go about your life relatively free of the fear that a panic attack will strike out of nowhere. If you do begin to feel anxiety coming on, you now have the tools to take it on and work to bring it to an end. You are freer to go where you want when you want to.

Remember, panic usually does not get better on its own. Left untreated, panic robs you of the freedom to live your life without dreading an impending anxiety episode. Let us help you take back control of your life.